The 30-year gap in the history of the Powerhouse

By Eden Boyd

October 12, 2018 — 12.50pm

For most Brisbanites, there's a 30-year gap in the history of one of the city's most beloved buildings.

Although many know the Brisbane Powerhouse's past of supplying electricity for suburbs and the largest tram network in the southern hemisphere for more than 40 years, its life after decommission in 1971 is somewhat hidden.

The Brisbane Powerhouse will open its doors to the public at the weekend so they can explore the 90-year history of the building.Credit:Sophie Meixner

Surviving two decades of neglect, the large brick building was a homeless shelter, a target practice site for the army and an underground stage for filmmakers and graffiti artists.

The doors to the Brisbane Powerhouse will be thrown open this weekend so the public can learn there is more to the old electricity station than meets the eye.

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Like the Powerhouse, the site of Brisbane’s streetscape has been through many transformations over the past century, yet the history of its oldest and most interesting buildings is still well and truly alive.

Discover the hidden past of the city’s architecturally noteworthy buildings, bridges and even swimming venues in this weekend’s annual Open House Festival.

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The free event allows members of the public to walk through 114 sites in an opportunity to catch a glimpse inside Brisbane’s treasures, new and old, in several guided and self-guided tours.

The building at 418 Adelaide Street has also had many lives and undergone multiple transformations over the past 100 years.

First built as a warehouse in 1918, it went on to become the Castlemaine Brewery head office, warehouse and distribution centre, the home of XXXX beer.

Since undergoing a modern makeover, the elderly structure is now the home of architecture firm Arkhefield.

Other notable sites on display this weekend include Peters Ice Cream Factory, the old Windmill Tower and Roma Street Fire Station.

Brisbane Broncos legend Darren Lockyer, an Open House ambassador, believes a prominent aspect of Open House is educating the public on creative and sustainable design. Lockyer would know - he was once an apprentice carpenter.

“We need to develop our buildings as the city grows. We want to show people what good design looks like so it can be replicated across the city,” he said.

Lockyer is also passionate about maintaining Brisbane’s rich architectural heritage.

“Open House is also about celebrating our history, the buildings that we have.

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“There’s so [many] stories out there that haven’t been told, that once you go and visit these sites, it intrigues you. It forces you to want to learn more about the building,” he said.

More than 67,000 visitors attended last year’s event, yet the organisers hope to attract more viewers in the festival’s first Brisbane Open House After Dark – a string of panels on design and architecture.